At age 8, I finally received the opportunity I had been waiting for, thus, to go live with my mother. She had temporarily left us to receive treatment and was staying with my grandparents and her sister. When my younger sister and I were sent to spend a vacation with her, I couldn’t have been happier. But when it came time to return to my father’s, I refused. The conditions there had become unbearable, and I felt I could no longer endure it. Though it was difficult for my mother, who was facing her health challenges, she respected my decision to stay. With little preparation, I began a new chapter, living in a large family home with relatives. Yet, even in this new environment, I often felt isolated, carrying emotional scars that ran deep from the past.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

At this time, I knew little about “Jesus.” His name was just a part of celebrations like Christmas and Easter, which I didn’t fully understand. My family wasn’t a typical Christian household; as long as moral duties were met; religious practices weren’t emphasized. I rarely attended church and had never developed a personal connection with God.

Then, something happened that changed everything. One Sunday afternoon, I noticed a group of children around my age gathering at a house next to ours. They seemed joyful, singing and reciting Bible verses, their voices filled with enthusiasm and happiness. Week after week, I watched them, drawn to their joy. On the fourth Sunday, I decided to join them, not knowing what to expect. To my relief, I was warmly welcomed. This was my first time at “Bible classes,” and I instantly felt a sense of belonging I hadn’t known before.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

That day, I met Mrs. Georgina Baah-Poku, a.k.a Auntie Gina, a kind woman who led the sessions. She taught us a song from the Bible that said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find (Matthew 7:7).” It was the first time someone had ever told me I could ask God for anything and that He was a loving Father who cared for me. I was hesitant at first because I never knew how to relate to a father figure that way, but I prayed that day, asking God to heal my mother. That prayer didn’t bring the answer I’d hoped for—my mother passed away two months later—but it marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life and my relationship with God.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Losing my mother was devastating. She had been my best friend, the one person I felt closest to. But in this time of grief, Auntie Gina and her husband, Mr. Richard Baah-Poku, stepped in and showed me a kind of love I hadn’t experienced before. They shared meals with me, welcomed me into their home, and encouraged me with stories from their lives. With their guidance, I came to truly understand what it meant to be a Christian, and I decided to become born again, surrendering my life to Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

As Auntie Gina and Mr. Richard Baah-Poku continued to support me, they became like parents to me, showing me what it looked like to live a life committed to Christ. Over time, my faith deepened, and I grew to trust God more fully.

By high school, I realized that Auntie Gina and her husband were part of the Navigators ministry, a global Christian movement dedicated to advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom into the nations through spiritual generations of labourers living and discipling among the Lost. My first experience with the broader Navigator community was a youth camp in 2016, where the theme was “The Word.” I was amazed by the warmth of this community and inspired by the diverse group of believers, all at different stages of faith, encouraging one another.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

I returned from camp with a renewed sense of purpose with my walk in faith. One day, an opportunity came for me to lead one of our Bible study sessions because the leader was not present that day. After that experience, I soon began to lead sessions more frequently when Mr. Richard Baah-Poku was away, or the leader assigned for that day was not around. Moderating these sessions allowed me to delve deeply into God’s Word, discovering its transformative power. Mr. Richard Baah-Poku and his wife have continued to inspire purpose in me, gently guiding me through healing from past hurts and even helping me forgive my father. Through their example, I learned to trust again, and over time, I came to see them as my true parents in Christ.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

After completing my tertiary education, I felt a calling to serve with the Navigators. I committed to a year as a national service person, a path every Ghanaian graduate is expected to go through. It was one of the most fulfilling years of my life. I experienced God using me to make an impact in ways I could have never imagined. I received training throughout the year, which not only deepened my relationship with Christ but also equipped me to help others cultivate a personal relationship with Him.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Following my year of service, I was offered a role at the National Navigators office as an administrative assistant. Grateful for the opportunity, I served wholeheartedly and supported the ministry. A year later, I felt led to pursue a lifelong dream in technology, not only as a career but as a tool for advancing the gospel. Today, I serve as the technical lead for the Navigators in Ghana, handling the technical needs for our conferences, retreats, and camp meetings. My journey with the Navigators has been transformative; it led me from pain and uncertainty to a life of faith, purpose, and joy in serving others.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

The Navigators didn’t just give me a place to belong; they showed me the love of Christ in action and taught me to live a life centered on God’s Word. Today, I am committed to deepening my roots in Christ as I seek opportunities to use my skills in technology to further the gospel.